Educators embrace eBook boom

WHILE the Federal Government spends big trying to mitigate the damage that eBooks are expected to do to the publishing industry, educators seem to be embracing the new technology.

Bremer Institute of TAFE’s specialised E-Learning librarian Jean Moetara said staff and students felt eBooks could be used to improve education without causing any collateral damage.

In addition to creating the position of E-Learning librarian three years ago, the TAFE has worked hard to keep up with the times, encouraging its teachers and students to follow suit.

“The programs are still developing, but Bremer TAFE has been recognised nationally for its uptake of E-Learning,” Ms Moetara said.

“The advantage of it is that it provides equal accessibility to information for students, whether they live out in the bush or close to the TAFE.

“The material can be more easily searched and there is also the opportunity to embed other media, such as video or audio.”

The Rudd Government will set up the Book Industry Strategy Group to protect the country’s $1.5 billion industry from the threat of eBooks. It will have access to $50 million a year in funding and is due to report back to the Federal Government within one year.

Ms Moetara said she did not believe the book industry was under any threat, despite the advances of eBooks.

“People still have an emotional attachment to real books that you just can’t get with the electronic version,” she said.

“One of these days they will invent eBooks that are easier on the eye but, until then, curling up with a good book will remain a popular pastime.”

Source:The Queensland Times